Automatically configuring a universal serial bus (USB) type-C port of a computing device

ABSTRACT

In some implementations a logic device, such as an embedded controller, automatically configures a universal serial bus (USB) Type-C port by connecting the USB Type-C port to appropriate input/output (I/O) signals. For example, the logic device may receive a notification that an external device is connected to a USB Type-C port of a computing device. The logic device may receive data from a port controller over an internal communication bus associated with the USB Type-C port. Based at least in part on the data, the logic device may determine one or more types of signals that the external device is configured to send, receive, or send and receive. The logic device may instruct a cross-point switch to connect the USB Type-C port to one or more signal paths in the computing device to enable the external device to send/receive the one or more types of signals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type-Cand, more particularly, to automatically configuring a USB Type-C portof a computing device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individualsand businesses seek additional ways to process and store information.One option available to users is information handling systems. Aninformation handling system generally processes, compiles, stores,and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or otherpurposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of theinformation. Because technology and information handling needs andrequirements vary between different users or applications, informationhandling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled,how the information is handled, how much information is processed,stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the informationmay be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in informationhandling systems allow for information handling systems to be general orconfigured for a specific user or specific use such as financialtransaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage,or global communications. In addition, information handling systems mayinclude a variety of hardware and software components that may beconfigured to process, store, and communicate information and mayinclude one or more computer systems, data storage systems, andnetworking systems.

The USB Type-C (“USB-C”) specification includes support for guestprotocols, thereby enabling a wide variety of signals to be transportedusing USB-C. Prior to USB-C, data and video were segregated andtransported on different physical connectors. For example, prior toUSB-C, data was transported using interfaces such as USB Type-A, USBType-B, or Ethernet, while video was transported using interfaces suchas Display Port (DP), mini-DP (mDP), Video Graphics Array (VGA), orHigh-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI). When data and video aresegregated in this manner, consumers know, based on the physicalconnector, which port to use to connect a device, e.g., an Ethernetcable could only be connected to an Ethernet connector (e.g., port), anHDMI cable could only be connected to an HDMI connector, etc. Incontrast, Type-C can transport many types of signals, including data,video, and others (e.g., USB, DP, Peripheral Component InterconnectExpress (PCIe), Thunderbolt, and the like), e.g., any protocol that canfit within 8 physical connector pins.

If the variety of ports (e.g., USB Type-A, Ethernet, HDMI, etc.) on acomputing device are replaced by a row of USB-C connectors that areidentical in appearance, consumers may find it confusing to determinewhich port to plug a cable into. In the past, a consumer who desired toconnect a display device (e.g., a computer monitor) to the computingdevice might use a VGA cable, an HDMI cable, or a DP cable to plug thecable into a VGA port, an HDMI port, or a DP port, respectively. Inother words, each type of port was physically unique so the consumercould only plug a video cable into the corresponding video port, e.g. anHDMI cable could only be plugged into an HDMI port. However, with USB-Cports, the same physical port may be used to carry a wide variety ofsignals. For example, a computing device may have three USB-C ports,with the first USB-C port configured to handle USB storage data, thesecond USB-C port configured to handle Ethernet data, and the thirdUSB-C port configured to handle video data (e.g., HDMI-based signals). Aconsumer who desires to connect a display device to the computing deviceusing a cable terminated with a USB-C plug may attach the cable to anyone of the three USB-C ports. If the consumer plugs the USB-C cable intothe first port or the second port, the display device is not connectedto a port configured to handle video data and so video data is notdisplayed on the display device. The consumer may become frustratedbecause the USB-C cable plugs into the USB-C port on the computingdevice but does not fulfill the expectation of connecting the displaydevice to the computing device, e.g., because not all the ports areconfigured to handle video data.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This Summary provides a simplified form of concepts that are furtherdescribed below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is notintended to identify key or essential features and should therefore notbe used for determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

A custom logic device, such as an embedded controller, may automaticallyconfigure a universal serial bus (USB) Type-C port by connecting the USBType-C port to appropriate input/output (I/O) signals. For example, thelogic device may receive a notification that an external device isconnected to a USB Type-C port of a computing device. The logic devicemay receive data from a port controller over a configuration channelassociated with the USB Type-C port. Based at least in part on the data,the logic device may determine one or more types of signals that theexternal device is able to send, receive, or both send and receive. Thelogic device may instruct a cross-point switch to connect the USB-C portto one or more signal paths in the computing device to enable theexternal device to send, receive, or both send and receive the one ormore types of signals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present disclosure may be obtainedby reference to the following Detailed Description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying Drawings. In the figures, theleft-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in whichthe reference number first appears. The same reference numbers indifferent figures indicate similar or identical items.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an architecture of a computing device withUSB-C ports according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an architecture that includes multipledevices connected to USB-C ports according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an architecture that includes pinassignments of a representative USB-C connector according to someembodiments.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process that includes sending an instructionto a cross-point switch according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process that includes instructing across-point switch according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example configuration of a computing device thatcan be used to implement the systems and techniques described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system mayinclude any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operableto compute, calculate, determine, classify, process, transmit, receive,retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, communicate, manifest,detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information,intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, or otherpurposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personalcomputer (e.g., desktop or laptop), tablet computer, mobile device(e.g., personal digital assistant (PDA) or smart phone), server (e.g.,blade server or rack server), a network storage device, or any othersuitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality,and price. The information handling system may include random accessmemory (RAM), one or more processing resources such as a centralprocessing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic, ROM, and/orother types of nonvolatile memory. Additional components of theinformation handling system may include one or more disk drives, one ormore network ports for communicating with external devices as well asvarious input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse,touchscreen and/or video display. The information handling system mayalso include one or more buses operable to transmit communicationsbetween the various hardware components.

The systems and techniques described herein may automatically configureUSB Type-C (USB-C) ports on a computing device that is part of aninformation handling system, thereby providing users (e.g., consumers)with “plug and play” functionality. Instead of placing the burden on theconsumer to determine which port is configured to perform a particularfunction (e.g., data, networking, video, etc.), the computerautomatically configures a port when an external device is coupled to aUSB-C port. For example, when the consumer plugs a cable that is coupledto an external device into a USB-C port, the computing devicecommunicates with the external device, determines what type offunction(s) the external device is capable of sending and/or receiving,and routes the correct input/output (I/O) to the USB-C port.

A custom logic device (e.g., an integrated circuit (IC) or the like),implemented using one or more technologies (e.g., embedded controller,field programmable gate array (FPGA), microcontroller with customfirmware, or other programmable logic device) may monitor the internalcommunication bus (ICB) associated with individual USB-C ports in acomputing device. When an external device is attached (e.g., via acable) to a particular one of the USB-C ports, the custom logic devicemay monitor the ICB to determine what type of signal(s) (e.g., power,data, video, audio, etc.) the external device is configured to send,receive, or both. Based on the information provided via the ICB, thecustom logic device may send an instruction to a cross-point switch toconnect the particular USB-C port appropriately to enable the externaldevice to send and/or receive the type of signal(s) the external deviceis capable of sending and/or receiving. For example, if the custom logicdevice determines (e.g., via the information on the ICB) that theexternal device is a display device that is configured to receive adigital video signal, the custom logic device may instruct thecross-point switch to connect the particular USB-C port to the videooutput of (i) a dedicated graphics processing unit (GPU) or (ii) acentral processing unit (CPU) that includes graphics capabilities. Asanother example, if the custom logic device determines that the externaldevice is a storage device, the custom logic device may send aninstruction to the cross-point switch to connect the particular USB-Cport to a device bus that supplies compatible input/output (I/O) signalsto the storage device and adds the storage device as a device whose filesystem is accessible to the computing device.

Thus, when a user connects an external device to a USB-C port via aUSB-C cable, the custom logic device may monitor the ICB to determine aparticular type of signal(s) the external device is configured to sendand/or receive. Based on the determination, the custom logic device maysend an instruction to a cross-point switch to connect the USB-C portinternally (e.g., within the computing device) in such a way as toenable the external device to send and/or receive the particular type ofsignal(s). In this way, the user may experience “plug and play” becausethe user can plug (e.g., connect) the external device to any one of theavailable USB-C ports on the computing device and the custom logicdevice automatically configures the USB-C port according to thecapabilities of the external device. The user does not have to determinewhich port is configured to perform which function, thereby providingthe user with a satisfying, frustration-free experience.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an architecture of a computing device 100that includes USB-C ports according to some embodiments. The computingdevice 100 includes a CPU 102. In some implementations, a dedicated GPU104 may be coupled to the CPU 102. If the dedicated GPU 104 is notpresent in the computing device 100, the GPU 104 may be included withinthe CPU 102. The CPU 102 may be coupled to a platform hub controller(PCH) 106 and an embedded display port (eDP) 108.

A custom logic device 110 may be coupled to a cross-point switch 112.The cross-point switch 112 may be coupled to multiple USB-C connectors114, such as, for example, USB-C connectors 114(1), 114(2), and 114(3).One or more of the USB-C connectors 114 may support a Thunderboltinterface (e.g., Thunderbolt 3). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1,USB-C connector 114(4) may support Thunderbolt 116. Thunderbolt 116 maybe coupled to the cross-point switch 112 using two DP lanes, e.g., DP126(5) and DP 126(6) and one or more Peripheral Component InterconnectExpress (PCIe) buses 128. USB-C connectors 114(5) and 114(6) may use USB118 and USB 120, respectively. In some cases, the cross-point switch 112may select between (i) USB (e.g., power and data transmittal) signalsand (ii) a display port (DP), e.g., digital video signal, for one ormore ports, such as the USB ports 118 and 120. While six USB-Cconnectors (e.g., ports) are illustrated in FIG. 1, it should beunderstood that fewer than six or greater than six connectors may beimplemented using the systems and techniques described herein.

The eDP 108 may receive video data from the CPU 102 via an EDP 122connection. A Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) 124(1)connection may connect the CPU 102 to the Thunderbolt 116. A PCIe 124(2)connection may connect the CPU 102 to the cross-point switch 112.Multiple DP connections, such as DP 126(1), DP 126(2), DP 126(3), and DP126(4), may connect the CPU 102 or the GPU 104 to the cross-point switch112. Multiple USB 3 connections, such as USB3 128(1), USB3 128(2), USB3128(3) and USB3 128(4) may connect the PCH 106 to the cross-point switch112.

When a user connects an external device to one of the USB-C connectors114, such as USB-C connector 114(1), a port controller associated withthe USB-C connector 114(1) may communicate via the configuration channel(CC) with an external port controller in the external device todetermine which type of signal(s) the external device is configured tosend, receive, or both send and receive. The port controller associatedwith the USB-C connector 114(1) may provide information as to the typeof signal(s) the external device is configured to send and/or receivevia a configuration channel (CC) associated with the USB-C connector114(1). The custom logic device 110 continually communicates with theport controller associated with each of the USB-C connectors (asdescribed in more detail in the description of FIG. 2) to determine theinformation regarding the type of signal(s) the external device isconfigured to send and/or receive. In response to determining theinformation, the custom logic device 110 may send an instruction to thecross-point switch 112 to switch a signal path associated with the USB-Cconnector 114(1) to enable the external device to send and/or receivethe expected type of signal(s). In this way, the computing device 100 isable to automatically configure individual USB-C connectors 114according to the expectations of an external device. For example, if theexternal device is a display device that is configured to receive avideo signal, the custom logic device 110 may send an instruction to thecross-point switch 112 to connect the USB-C connector 114(1) to one ofthe DP 126 outputs from the CPU 102. If the external device is a USBstorage device that is configured to send and/or receive data as well asreceive power, the custom logic device 110 may send an instruction tothe cross-point switch 112 to connect the USB-C connector 114(1) to oneof the USB3 128 outputs from the PCH 106.

The custom logic device 110 instructs the cross-point switch 112 toroute USB-C input/output (I/O) lines (e.g., carrying signals, power, orboth) in response to detecting that an external device has beenconnected to one of the USB-C connectors 114, thereby providing aplug-n-play experience. Further, USB, DP, or PCIe may be allocated afterthe external device is connected. As described in more detail in FIG. 2,a port controller in one of the USB-C connectors 114 may send an I/Orequest to the custom logic device 110, and the custom logic device 110then instructs the cross-point switch 112 to route the correct I/O tothe appropriate one of the USB-C connectors 114.

The cross-point switch 112 may be coupled to other signal paths 130 inaddition to the signal paths described above. For example, the othersignal paths 130 may include audio signals, video signals, data signals,and other types of signals that can be carried over USB-C.

Thus, the custom logic device 110 may monitor the port controllerassociated with each of the USB-C connectors via the ICB, determine thetype of signal(s) the external device is configured to send and/orreceive, and send an instruction to the cross-point switch 112 to switcha signal path associated with the USB-C connector 114(1) to enable theexternal device to send and/or receive the expected type of signal(s).In this way, a user is provided with a “plug and play” experience.Instead of requiring the user to determine which USB-C port isconfigured to send/receive which type of signal(s) before plugging in acable, the user merely plugs the cable into any available USB-C port andthe computing device automatically configures the USB-C port tosend/receive the type of signals that the external device is capable ofsending and/or receiving.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an architecture 200 that includes multipledevices connected to USB-C ports according to some embodiments. One ormore external devices 202(1) to 202(N) (N>0) may be connected to theUSB-C connectors 114(1) to 114(N) via a corresponding USB-C cable. Forexample, the device 202(1) may be connected to the USB-C connector114(1) via a cable 204(1) and the device 202(N) may be connected to theUSB-C connector 114(N) via a cable 204(N). As used herein, the term“connector” refers to the physical USB-C receptacle in a computingdevice (or in an external device) into which a USB-C cable may beinserted (“plugged in”). As illustrated in FIG. 2, the port controllersare included in the computing device or in the external device.

Each USB-C connector 114 in the computing device 100 may include a portcontroller. For example, the USB-C connector 114(1) may include a portcontroller 206(1) and the USB-C connector 114(N) may include a portcontroller 206(N). The port controllers 206 may support various USBdevice speeds, including USB 3.1 SuperSpeed+, USB 3.0 SuperSpeed, USB2.0 Low-speed, Full-speed, and High-speed, USB 1.1 Low-speed andFull-speed, as well as earlier (USB 1.1 and USB 2.0) speeds.

When one of the USB-C cables 204 is used to connect one of the externaldevices 202 to one of the USB-C connectors 114, a port controller in theUSB-C connector 114 may communicate with a port controller included inthe external device 202 to determine what type of signal(s) the externaldevice 202 is configured to send, receive, or both. The port controllers206(1) to 206(N) and 208(1) to 208(N) are connected to configurationchannels (e.g., A5 and/or B5 in FIG. 3) and are not in the data flowpath. When the USB-C cable 204(1) is used to connect the external device202(1) to the USB-C connector 114(1), a port controller 206(1) in theUSB-C connector 114(1) may communicate with a port controller 208(1) inthe external device 202(1) to determine what type of signal(s) theexternal device 202(1) is configured to send, to receive, or both.Similarly, when the USB-C cable 204(N) is used to connect the externaldevice 202(N) to the USB-C connector 114(N), a port controller 206(N) inthe USB-C connector 114(N) may communicate with a port controller 208(N)in the external device 202(N) to determine what type of signal(s) theexternal device 202(N) is configured to send, to receive, or both.

After determining the type of signal(s) one of the external devices 202is configured to send and/or receive, one of the port controllers 206(e.g., into which one of the cables 204 was connected) may sendparticular data 210 over a particular internal communication bus (ICB)212 associated with one of the USB-C connectors 114. For example, theport controller 206(1) may communicate with the port controller 208(1),determine what type of signal(s) the device 202(1) is configured to sendand/or receive, and provide the data 210(1) over the internalcommunication bus (ICB) 212(1). The data 210(1) may indicate the type ofsignal(s) the device 202(1) is configured to send and/or receive.Similarly, the port controller 206(N) may communicate with the portcontroller 208(N), determine what type of signal(s) the device 202(N) isconfigured to send and/or receive, and provide the data 210(N) over theICB 212(N). The data 210(N) may indicate the type of signal(s) thedevice 202(N) is configured to send and/or receive.

When an external device, such as the device 202(N), is connected to theUSB-C connector 114(N) via the cable 204(N), the custom logic device 110may receive a notification from the port controller 206(N), via the ICB212(N), that the external device 202(N) has been connected to the USB-Ccontroller 114(N). The custom logic device 110 may receive the data210(N), via the ICB 212(N), indicating the type of signal(s) that theexternal device 202(N) is configured to send and/or receive. The customlogic device 110 may analyze the data 210(N) and send a control signal214 to the cross-point switch 112 to configure the USB-C connector114(N) to enable the external device 202(N) to send and/or receive thetype of signal(s) that the external device 202(N) is configured to sendand/or receive. The control signal 214 may send an instruction to thecross-point switch 112 to connect the USB-C connector 114(N) to acomponent of the computing device 100 that is capable of receiving(and/or sending) the type of signal(s) that the external device 202(N)is configured to send (and/or receive). For example, when the externaldevice 202(N) is a display device that is configured to receive a videosignal, the custom logic device 110 may send an instruction to thecross-point switch 112 to connect the USB-C connector 114(N) to a videooutput (e.g., one of the DP 126 outputs from the CPU 102 of FIG. 1). Asanother example, when the external device 202(N) is a USB storage devicethat is configured to send and/or receive data as well as receive power,the custom logic device 110 may send an instruction to the cross-pointswitch 112 to connect the USB-C connector 114(N) to a USB output (e.g.,provided by the PCH 106 of FIG. 1) that provides power and enables datato be read from and/or written to the external device 202(N).

Each of the USB-C connectors 114 may support an Alternate mode and anAccessory mode. A host device (e.g., the computing device 100), anexternal device (e.g., one of the devices 202), or a cable (e.g., one ofthe cables 204) may send a vendor defined message (VDM) to exchangeinformation and to discover a USB identifier (ID) associated with theexternal device. When the host device communicates with the externaldevice and enters into the alternate mode (e.g., via a VDM), the USB-Cconnector may be configured to support any type of input/output signal,including PCIe or DisplayPort.

Thus, a custom logic device in a computing device may monitor aninternal communication bus (ICB) associated with a USB-C connector. Whenan external device is connected to the USB-C connector, a portcontroller in the USB-C connector may communicate with a port controllerin the external device to determine the type of signal(s) that theexternal device is capable of sending and/or receiving. The portcontroller in the USB-C connector may provide, via the configurationchannel associated with the USB-C connector, data indicating the type ofsignal(s) that the external device is capable of sending and/orreceiving. Based on the data, the custom logic device 110 may send acontrol signal to a cross-point switch to connect the USB-C connector toan appropriate component of the computing device to enable the externaldevice to send and/or receive the expected signals. In this way, a userconnecting (e.g., plugging in) an external device to a USB-C connectorcauses the computing device to automatically configure the USB-Cconnector according to the functionality of the external device. Incontrast, without the custom logic device 110, each of the USB-Cconnectors may be pre-configured to perform a particular function,thereby requiring a user to determine which USB-connector is configuredto perform the functions that the external device is capable ofperforming.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an architecture 300 that includes pinassignments of a representative USB-C connector (e.g., receptacle)according to some embodiments. For example, the representative USB-Cconnector 114(N) includes 24 pins, with an A-side having 12 pins and aB-side having 12 pins. The A-side pins include A1 302, A2 304, A3 306,A4 308, A5 310, A6 312, A7 314, A8 316, A9 318, A10 320, A11 322, andA12 324. The B-side pins include B1 326, B2 328, B3 330, B4 332, B5 334,B6 336, B7 338, B8 340, B9 342, B10 344, B11 346, and B12 348.

A USB cable that is compliant with USB Type-A (“USB-A”) and USB Type-B(“USB-B”), is a directional cable, with each end of the cable having aphysically different plug. The USB-A connector has a rectangular shape.The USB-B connector has a square shape, while the smaller mini-B andmicro-B variants have a trapezoidal shape.

In a USB system, a tree-based structure is formed, with a single USBhost at the root (typically the host device, such as a personal computeror laptop), and one or more devices (e.g., memory card etc.) as leavesoff of the root. In a conventional USB system, a USB-A connectorconnects closer to the root, and may be referred to as a downstreamfacing port (DFP). A USB-B connector connects further away from theroot, and may be referred to as an upstream facing port (UFP). Such atree-based architecture prevents loops and other issues because a usercannot set up an incorrect USB tree due to the physically differentconnectors.

USB-C replaces both USB-A and USB-B, thereby enabling symmetrical andreversible USB-C cables while maintaining the same tree structure, e.g.,one USB host and one or more USB devices. Instead of a using physicallydifferent connector and plug to identify the direction of data andpower, a USB-C device indicates the device's role (e.g., the device'scharacteristics, the device's functionality, the type of signals thatthe device is configured to send and/or receive, and the like)electrically through a Configuration Channel (CC). The CC is used in thediscovery, configuration and management of connections across a USBType-C cable. For example, when an external device is connected to a USBconnector of a computing device (e.g., host device), the USB connectormay provide discovery data on the CC indicating that an external devicehas been discovered. The external device negotiates with the hostdevice, via the CC, as to the type (e.g., voltage and amperage) of powerdelivery to provide, the type of data traffic (e.g., USB 1.0, USB 2.0,number of lanes of DP traffic, etc.) to provide or expect, and the like.The external device and the host device may manage the connection, viathe CC, by re-negotiating the power delivery, re-negotiating the type ofdata traffic, etc.

Pins A1 302, A12 324, B1 326, and B12 348 provide cable ground. Pins A2304, A3 306, B10 344 and B11 346 may provide a first high speed datapath, with the A pins 304, 306 used for transmitting and the B pins 344,346 used for receiving. When an Alternate mode is specified, pins A2304, A3 306, B10 344 and B11 346 may be used for video data, such asDisplay Port (DP). Pins A10 320, A11 322, B2 328 and B3 330 may providea second high speed data path, with the A pins 320, 322 used forreceiving and the B pins 328, 330 used for transmitting. When anAlternate mode is specified, one or more of pins A10 320, A11 322, B2328 and B3 330 may be used for video data, such as providing up to fourlanes of Display Port (DP). Pins A4 308, A9 318, B4 332, and B9 342 maybe used to provide cable bus power. Pins A6 312, A7 314, B6 336, and B7338 may be used to provide USB 2.0 functionality.

Each USB Type-C port has two CC pins, oriented in such a way thatregardless of the orientation of the cable, the CC pin in the cable plugconnects with one of the two CC pins. Each USB-C cable has a single CCwire. Thus, either pin A5 310 or pin B5 334 may be used as the CC.Typically, one of the pins A5 310 or B5 334 is used as the CC while theother pin is used as Vconn (e.g., to provide power).

A port controller, such as the port controller 206 of FIG. 2, maymonitor whichever of the pins A5 310 and B5 334 is being used as the CCto determine the characteristics and functionality of the externaldevice and to determine which type of signal(s) the external device isconfigured to send and/or receive.

When a DFP (e.g., USB host) is connected to a UFP (e.g., an external USBdevice) using a cable, the CC on both sides are connected together, andthe shared CC line has both a pull-up and a pull-down on it. Both theDFP and UFP read the voltage on the CC line and can recognize that aconnection has just been made when the voltage becomes a predictablevalue. By monitoring the voltage on both pins A5 310 and B5 334, a hostor external device can determine an orientation of the USB cable androute the other pins appropriately. There is a pullup resistor Rp on theDFP side and a pulldown resistor Rd on the UFP side. Before an externaldevice is connected to a USB-C port, the DFP VBUS has no output. Afteran external device is connected to the USB-C port, e.g., connecting thehost device (DFP) with the external device (UFP), the CC pin in the DFPdetects the voltage drop at the CC pin caused by Rd, thereby notifyingthe DFP (via the CC) that the UFP has been connected.

Besides DFP and UFP, a dual-role port (DRP) is possible. A DRP can,depending on the circumstances, can automatically (e.g., without humaninteraction) configure itself as a DFP or as a UFP. For example, when aDRP is connected to a DFP, the DRP can change itself to be a UFP. Whenthe DRP is connected to a UFP, the DRP can change itself to be a DFP.When two DRP are connected together, one DRP will randomly change to bea DFP and the other DRP will change to be a UFP.

In USB-C, the external device can negotiate power delivery, includingbetween 5 volts (default) up to 20 volts and up to 5.0 amps (A). The CCmay be used to identify the power capabilities of a host device. DefaultUSB Power uses a 56 kΩ pullup, 1.5 A uses a 22 kΩ pullup, and 3.0 A usesa 10 kΩ M pullup. The latter two modes are used for non-legacy USBType-C ports and cables when the power supply has satisfied theelectrical requirements to meet a 1.5 A or 3.0 A load. Default USB Powermeans 500 milliamps (mA) for USB 2.0 or 900 mA for USB 3.1. Default USBPower also enables negotiating, using the data lines D+ and D−, usingany of the protocols that comply with USB A-to-Micro-B cables.

The CC may be used to communicate Vendor Defined Messages (VDMs). Anidentifier (ID) may be included in a sixteen-bit ID field in each VDM.There are two types of IDs: Standardized ID (SID) and Vendor specific ID(VID). SID and VIDs are assigned by a standards body (e.g., the USBImplementers Forum (USB-IF)). The USB-IF assigns SIDs to standardsgroups and assigns VIDs to companies. The SID refers to a specific typeof alternate mode of operation, such as the Display Port Alternate Mode(“Alt Mode” promulgated by the Video Electronics Standards Association(VESA)) and the Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) Alt Mode (promulgatedby the MHL consortium). Companies can use their unique VID to establisha proprietary link that works between their own UFP and DFP. Forexample, an external device made by Dell® may establish a proprietarylink with a Dell® computing device (e.g., desktop computer, laptopcomputer, or tablet computer). The proprietary link may be used toprovide features that are not available with external devices made byother companies. In order to enter or exit an Alternate (Alt) mode,structured VDMs may be used. The structured VDMs may have well-definedbut extensible commands and are modal in behavior. For example, twocommands are “Enter Mode” and Exit Mode.” Once an Alt Mode is enabled,specialized commands and data, known as unstructured VDMs, may be usedto provide vendor-customized formats.

In some cases, the custom logic device 110 of FIGS. 1 and 2 maydetermine a device class of the external device and determine thesignals that the external device is configured to send and/or receivebased on the device class. Examples of USB device classes are providedin Table 1.

TABLE 1 USB Device Classes Usage Device Class Description (examples)Interface Audio Speaker, microphone, sound card, Musical InstrumentDigital Interface (MIDI), etc. Both Communications Modem, Ethernetadapter, Wi-Fi adapter, RS232 serial adapter, etc. Used withcommunications device class (CDC) below. Interface Human interfacedevice Keyboard, mouse, joystick, etc. (HID) Interface PhysicalInterface Device Force feedback joystick, haptic feedback device, etc.(PID) Interface Image Webcam, scanner, and other devices using MediaTransfer Protocol (MTP) or Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) InterfacePrinter Laser printer, inkjet printer, 3D printer, etc. Interface Massstorage USB flash drive, memory card reader, digital audio player,digital camera, external drive, and other USB Mass Storage (UMS) devicesDevice USB hub Full bandwidth hub Interface CDC-Data Used withCommunications above Interface Smart Card USB smart card reader etc.Interface Security Fingerprint reader, retinal scanner, etc. InterfaceVideo Webcam, etc. Interface Personal healthcare device Pulse monitor(watch), etc. class (PHDC) Interface Audio/Video (AV) Webcam, TV DeviceBillboard Describes USB Type-C alternate modes supported by device BothDiagnostic Device USB compliance testing device Interface WirelessController Bluetooth adapter, Remote Network Driver InterfaceSpecification (RNDIS), etc. Both Miscellaneous ActiveSync deviceInterface Application-specific IrDA Bridge, USB Test & Measurement Class(USBTMC), USB Device Firmware Upgrade (DFU), etc. Both Vendor-specificIndicates that a device needs vendor-specific drivers

The port controller associated with a USB-C connector is capable ofproviding several different types of data via the CC. First, the portcontroller may provide (via the CC) information indicating when anexternal (e.g., downstream) device is attached or detached. Second, theport controller may provide (via the CC) information as to the role (ordevice class) of each device, e.g., identifying which is the host deviceand which is the external (downstream) device. Third, the portcontroller may provide (via the CC) information identifying anorientation of the USB-C cable. Fourth, the host device and the externaldevice may communicate via the CC to detect and negotiate the amount ofpower (e.g., amount of amperage, amount of voltage, or both) to beprovided via the USB-C cable in accordance with the USB Power DeliverySpecification.

In the flow diagrams of FIGS. 4 and 5 each block represents one or moreoperations that can be implemented in hardware, software, or acombination thereof. In the context of software, the blocks representcomputer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or moreprocessors, cause the processors to perform the recited operations.Generally, computer-executable instructions include routines, programs,objects, modules, components, data structures, and the like that performparticular functions or implement particular abstract data types. Theorder in which the blocks are described is not intended to be construedas a limitation, and any number of the described operations can becombined in any order and/or in parallel to implement the processes. Fordiscussion purposes, the processes 400 and 500 are described withreference to FIG. 1, 2, or 3 as described above, although other models,frameworks, systems and environments may be used to implement theseprocesses.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process 400 that includes sending aninstruction to a cross-point switch according to some embodiments. Thecustom logic device 110 of FIGS. 1 and 2 may perform the process 400.

At 402, a determination is made that an external device has beenattached to a USB-C connector (e.g., of a host). At 404, the type ofsignal(s) that the device expects to send, receive, or send and receiveare determined. At 406, an instruction is sent to a cross-point switchto connect the USB-C connector to one or more signal paths (e.g., of thehost). For example, in FIG. 2, the custom logic device 110 may receivean indication, via the ICB 212(N), that the device 202(N) has beenattached to the USB-C connector (e.g., port) 114(N). The custom logicdevice 110 may determine the type(s) of signals that the device 202(N)is configured to send, receive, or both send and receive. For example,the custom logic device 110 may determine that the device 202(N) expectsto receive a video signal. The custom logic device 110 may send aninstruction to the cross-point switch 112, using the control signal 214,to connect the USB-C 114(N) connector to a video signal (e.g., one ormore of the DP 126 lines of FIG. 1).

Thus, a custom logic device in a computing device (e.g., a host device)may detect that an external device is connected to a USB-C connectorbased on information (e.g., provided by a port controller) on aconfiguration channel associated with the USB-C connector. The customlogic device may determine the type of signal(s) that the externaldevice is capable of sending and/or receiving. The custom logic devicemay send a control signal to a cross-point switch to connect the USB-Cconnector to appropriate components of the computing device to enablethe external device to send and/or receive the expected signals. In thisway, a user connecting (e.g., plugging in) an external device to a USB-Cconnector causes the computing device to automatically configure theUSB-C connector according to the functionality of the external device.For example, when a user connects a display device (e.g., a computermonitor) to a USB-C port on the computing device, the custom logicdevice may send an instruction to the cross-point switch to connect theUSB-C port to video data being output by a component (e.g., a GPU or aCPU) of the computing device.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process 500 that includes instructing across-point switch according to some embodiments. The custom logicdevice 110 of FIGS. 1 and 2 may perform the process 500.

At 502, the custom logic device may detect that an external device(e.g., UFP) is attached by a cable to a USB-C port of a host device(e.g., DFP). For example, as described above, when an external device isattached to a USB-C port of a host device, the change in the voltagelevel (e.g., a voltage drop) causes an indication on the CC associatedwith the USB-C port that an external device has been attached.

At 504, device port controller may determine an orientation of thecable. For example, in FIG. 3, the orientation of the cable may bedetermined based on whether the change in voltage level is detected onCC1 (A5 310) or CC2 (B5 334). The port controller 206(N) may communicatethe cable orientation (e.g., A-orientation or B-orientation) to thecustom logic device 110 via the ICB 212(N).

At 506, the custom logic device may determine a role of the externaldevice and a role of the host device. For example, in FIG. 2, the customlogic device 110 may determine that the external device 202(N) is a UFPand the computing device 100 is a DFP. As another example, in FIG. 2, ifthe external device 202(N) is a second computing device (e.g., both thedevice 202(N) and the computing device 100 are DRP), then the customlogic device 110 may determine which of the devices 100, 202(N) hastaken on the role of UFP and which has taken on the role of DFP.

At 508, the custom logic device may determine a device class of theexternal device. For example, in FIG. 2, after the device 202(N) isconnected to the USB-C port 114(N), the custom logic device 110 maydetermine a role (e.g., one of the device classes in Table 1 above) ofthe device 202(N).

At 510, the custom logic device may negotiate power delivery to theexternal device. For example, in FIG. 2, after the device 202(N) isconnected to the USB-C port 114(N), the custom logic device 110 maynegotiate power delivery with the device 202(N).

At 512, a determination may be made whether the external device usesfunctional extensions (e.g., Alt mode). If a determination is made, at512, that “yes” the external device is using functional extensions, thenthe process proceeds to 514 where the functional extensions areconfigured. The process then proceeds to 516. For example, in FIG. 2,after the device 202(N) is connected to the USB-C port 114(N), thecustom logic device 110 may determine that the device 202(N) is adisplay device (e.g., computer monitor) using DP Alt mode and configurethe functional extensions (e.g., number of DP lanes etc.).

If a determination is made, at 512, that “no” the external device is notusing functional extensions, then the process proceeds to 516. Forexample, in FIG. 2, after the device 202(N) is connected to the USB-Cport 114(N), the custom logic device 110 may determine that the device202(N) is not using functional extensions.

At 516, the custom logic device may send an instruction to a cross-pointswitch to configure the USB-C port to access one or more signal paths(e.g., one or more of a video signal path, an audio signal path, a datasignal path, a file system signal path, a power signal path, etc.). Forexample, in FIG. 2, after the device 202(N) is connected to the USB-Cport 114(N), the custom logic device 110 may send an instruction to thecross-point switch 112 to configure the USB-C port 114(N) based on oneor more of the role of the device 202(N), the role of the computingdevice 100, a device class of the device 202(N), a power deliveryassociated with the device 202(N), functional extensions (e.g., an Altmode) associated with the device 202(N), another characteristicassociated with the device 202(N), or any combination thereof. Toillustrate, if the custom logic device 110 determines that the device202(N) is a display device using DP Alt mode and send an instruction tothe crosspoint switch 112 to connect the USB-C port 114(N) to theappropriate number of DP lanes, the appropriate internal power rails(e.g., to satisfy the negotiated power delivery), etc.

Thus, a custom logic device in a computing device may detect that anexternal device is connected to a USB-C connector based on information(e.g., provided by a port controller) on a configuration channelassociated with the USB-C connector. The custom logic device maydetermine an orientation of the cable, a role of the external device, adevice class of the external device, negotiate power delivery (e.g.,voltage and amperage to be provided) with the external device, the typeof signal(s) that the external device is capable of sending and/orreceiving, other characteristics of the external device, or anycombination thereof. The custom logic device may send a control signalto a cross-point switch to connect the USB-C connector to appropriatesignal paths (e.g., data paths, power paths, etc.) within the computingdevice to enable the external device to send and/or receive the expectedsignals. In this way, a user connecting (e.g., plugging in) an externaldevice to a USB-C connector causes the computing device to automaticallyconfigure the USB-C connector according to the functionality of theexternal device. For example, when a user connects a display device(e.g., a computer monitor) to a USB-C port on the computing device, thecustom logic device may send an instruction to the cross-point switch toconnect the USB-C port to one or more DP lanes being output by acomponent (e.g., a GPU or a CPU) of the computing device. The customlogic device may determine whether the display device is configured toreceive power, negotiate the delivery of power, and send an instructionto the cross-point switch to connect the USB-C port to the amount ofpower that was negotiated to be delivered.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example configuration of the computing device 100that can be used to implement the systems and techniques describedherein. The computing device 100 may include one or more processors 602,a memory 604, communication interfaces 606, a display device 608, otherinput/output (I/O) devices 610, and one or more mass storage devices612, configured to communicate with each other, such as via system buses614 or other suitable connection. The system buses 614 may includemultiple buses, such as memory device buses, storage device buses, powerbuses, video signal buses, and the like. A single bus is illustrated inFIG. 6 purely for ease of understanding.

The processors 602 are one or more hardware devices that may include asingle processing unit or a number of processing units, all of which mayinclude single or multiple computing units or multiple cores. Theprocessors 602 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors,microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, centralprocessing units, graphics processing units, state machines, logiccircuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based onoperational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor 602may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructionsstored in the memory 604, mass storage devices 612, or othercomputer-readable media.

Memory 604 and mass storage devices 612 are examples of computer storagemedia (e.g., memory storage devices) for storing instructions that canbe executed by the processor 602 to perform the various functionsdescribed herein. For example, memory 604 may include both volatilememory and non-volatile memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, or the like) devices.Further, mass storage devices 612 may include hard disk drives,solid-state drives, removable media, including external and removabledrives, memory cards, flash memory, floppy disks, optical disks (e.g.,CD, DVD), a storage array, a network attached storage, a storage areanetwork, or the like. Both memory 604 and mass storage devices 612 maybe collectively referred to as memory or computer storage media herein,and may be a media capable of storing computer-readable,processor-executable program instructions as computer program code thatcan be executed by the processor 602 as a particular machine configuredfor carrying out the operations and functions described in theimplementations herein.

The computing device 600 may also include one or more communicationinterfaces 606 for exchanging data via the network 118 with networkelements 616. The communication interfaces 606 can facilitatecommunications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types,including wired networks (e.g., Ethernet, DOCSIS, DSL, Fiber, USB etc.)and wireless networks (e.g., WLAN, GSM, CDMA, 802.11, Bluetooth,Wireless USB, cellular, satellite, etc.), the Internet and the like.Communication interfaces 606 can also provide communication withexternal storage (not shown), such as in a storage array, networkattached storage, storage area network, or the like. A display device608, such as a monitor may be included in some implementations fordisplaying information and images to users. Other I/O devices 610 may bedevices that receive various inputs from a user and provide variousoutputs to the user, and may include a keyboard, a remote controller, amouse, a printer, audio input/output devices, and so forth.

The computer storage media, such as memory 604 and mass storage devices612, may be used to store software and data. For example, the computerstorage media may be used to store an operating system 616, devicedrivers 618, applications 620, and data 622.

The custom logic device 110 may monitor the configuration channelsassociated with multiple (e.g., N, where N>1) USB-C connectors. Forexample, the custom logic device 110 may monitor the ICB 212(1)associated with the USB-C connector 114(1) and the ICB 212(N) associatedwith the USB-C connector 114(N). In response to detecting that anexternal device, e.g., one of the devices 202(1) to 202(N), has beenconnected to a particular USB-C connector, the custom logic device 110may determine what type of signal(s) the external device is configuredsend and/or receive. For example, the custom logic device 110 maydetermine a role associated with the external device, a device classassociated with the external device, power delivery expectations of theexternal device, other characteristics associated with the externaldevice, or any combination thereof. Based on this information (e.g.,role, device class, power delivery, etc.), the custom logic device 110may send an instruction to the cross-point switch 112 to connect otherlines 624 associated with the USB-C connectors 114 with other componentsof the computing device 100 to enable the external device to send and/orreceive the expected type of signal(s). For example, after the device202(1) is connected to the USB-C 114(1), the custom logic device 110 maysend an instruction to the cross-point switch 112 to connect one or moreof the other lines 624(1) to appropriate components of the computingdevice 100. After the device 202(N) is connected to the USB-C 114(N),the custom logic device 110 may send an instruction to the cross-pointswitch 112 to connect one or more of the other lines 624(N) toappropriate components of the computing device 100. The other lines 624may include one or more of the lines described in FIG. 3, excluding theCC lines A5 310 and B5 334.

The example systems and computing devices described herein are merelyexamples suitable for some implementations and are not intended tosuggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of theenvironments, architectures and frameworks that can implement theprocesses, components and features described herein. Thus,implementations herein are operational with numerous environments orarchitectures, and may be implemented in general purpose andspecial-purpose computing systems, or other devices having processingcapability. Generally, any of the functions described with reference tothe figures can be implemented using software, hardware (e.g., fixedlogic circuitry) or a combination of these implementations. The term“module,” “mechanism” or “component” as used herein generally representssoftware, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware that canbe configured to implement prescribed functions. For instance, in thecase of a software implementation, the term “module,” “mechanism” or“component” can represent program code (and/or declarative-typeinstructions) that performs specified tasks or operations when executedon a processing device or devices (e.g., CPUs or processors). Theprogram code can be stored in one or more computer-readable memorydevices or other computer storage devices. Thus, the processes,components and modules described herein may be implemented by a computerprogram product.

Furthermore, this disclosure provides various example implementations,as described and as illustrated in the drawings. However, thisdisclosure is not limited to the implementations described andillustrated herein, but can extend to other implementations, as would beknown or as would become known to those skilled in the art. Reference inthe specification to “one implementation,” “this implementation,” “theseimplementations” or “some implementations” means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described is included in at leastone implementation, and the appearances of these phrases in variousplaces in the specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame implementation.

Although the present invention has been described in connection withseveral embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to thespecific forms set forth herein. On the contrary, it is intended tocover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can bereasonably included within the scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving, by a logicdevice, an indication from a port controller of a computing device thatan external device is connected via a cable to a universal serial bus(USB) Type-C port of the computing device, wherein the computing devicecomprises: a cross-point switch coupled to the logic device, the USBType-C port, and a device bus; determining, by the logic device, a roleof the external device; in response to determining the role of theexternal device, determining, by the logic device, a device class of theexternal device; in response to determining the device class of theexternal device, determining by the logic device and based on the roleand the device class, whether the external device comprises a displaydevice or a storage device; in response to determining, by the logicdevice and based on the role and the device class, that the externaldevice comprises the display device, instructing, by the logic device,the cross-point switch to connect a video signal of the computing deviceto the USB Type-C port; and in response to determining, by the logicdevice and based on the role and the device class, that the externaldevice comprises the storage device, instructing the cross-point switchto connect the USB Type-C port to the device bus of the computing deviceto enable access to a file system of the storage device.
 2. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: determining a voltage to provide theexternal device that is approximately between 5 volts and 20 volts;determining an amperage to provide the external device that isapproximately between 100 milliamps and 5 amps; and instructing, by thelogic device, the cross-point switch to connect a power bus of thecomputing device to the USB Type-C port to provide the voltage and theamperage.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein determining by the logicdevice and based on the role and the device class, that the externaldevice comprises the display device further comprises: determining thatthe external device is using a display port (DP) alternate mode; andinstructing the cross-point switch to provide one or more DP lanes tothe USB Type-C port.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the logic devicecomprises an embedded controller.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein therole comprises one of a downward facing port or an upward facing port.6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining that theexternal device is using functional extensions; and configuring the USBType-C port to support the functional extensions.
 7. The method of claim1, wherein the logic device monitors a communications channel associatedwith the USB Type-C port to determine one or more types of signals thatthe external device is configured to send, receive, or send and receive.8. A computing device comprising: one or more processors; one or morememory storage devices; one or more universal serial bus (USB) Type-Cports; a device bus; a cross-point switch; and a logic device configuredto perform operations comprising: receiving an indication from a portcontroller of the computing device that an external device is connectedvia a cable to a particular USB Type-C port of the one or more USBType-C ports; determining a role of the external device; in response todetermining the role of the external device, determining a device classof the external device; in response to determining the device class ofthe external device, determining, based on the role and the deviceclass, whether the external device comprises a display device or astorage device; in response to determining, based on the role and thedevice class, that the external device comprises the display device,instructing the cross-point switch to connect a video signal of thecomputing device to the particular USB Type-C port; and in response todetermining, based at least in part on the role and the device class,that the external device comprises the storage device, instructing thecross-point switch to connect the device bus of the computing device tothe particular USB Type-C port to enable access to a file system of thestorage device.
 9. The computing device of claim 8, wherein the rolecomprises one of a downward facing port or an upward facing port. 10.The computing device of claim 8, wherein the device class comprises oneof an audio device class, a communications device class, a humaninterface device class, a physical interface device class, an imagedevice class, a printer device class, a mass storage device class, a USBhub device class, a smart card device class, a security device class, avideo device class, a personal healthcare device class, an audio/videodevice class, a diagnostic device class, a wireless controller deviceclass, an application-specific device class, or a vendor specific deviceclass.
 11. The computing device of claim 8, wherein the logic devicecomprises an embedded controller.
 12. The computing device of claim 8,wherein the operations further comprise: determining a voltage toprovide the external device that is approximately between 5 volts and 20volts; determining an amperage to provide the external device that isapproximately between 100 milliamps and 5 amps; and instructing thecross-point switch to connect a power bus of the computing device to theparticular USB Type-C port to provide the voltage and the amperage. 13.The computing device of claim 8, wherein determining based on the roleand the device class, that the external device comprises the displaydevice further comprises: determining that the external device is usinga display port (DP) alternate mode; and instructing the cross-pointswitch to provide one or more DP lanes to the particular USB Type-Cport.
 14. An embedded controller programmed with instructions to performoperations comprising: receiving an indication from a port controllerthat an external device is connected via a cable to a universal serialbus (USB) Type-C port of a computing device, wherein the computingdevice comprises: the embedded controller, a cross-point switch coupledto the embedded controller, the USB Type-C port, and a device bus;determining a role of the external device; in response to determiningthe role of the external device, determining a device class of theexternal device; in response to determining the device class of theexternal device, determining, based on the role and the device class,whether the external device comprises a display device or a storagedevice; in response to determining, based on the role and the deviceclass, that the external device comprises the display device,instructing the cross-point switch to connect a video signal of thecomputing device to the USB Type-C port; and in response to determining,based on the role and the device class, that the external devicecomprises the storage device, instructing the cross-point switch toconnect the USB Type-C port to the device bus of the computing device toenable access to a file system of the storage device.
 15. The embeddedcontroller of claim 14, wherein the role comprises one of a downwardfacing port or an upward facing port.
 16. The embedded controller ofclaim 14, the operations further comprising: receiving, over aconfiguration channel associated with the USB Type-C port, dataindicating one or more types of signals that the external device isconfigured to communicate, wherein the data is sent by a port controllerassociated with the USB Type-C port.
 17. The embedded controller ofclaim 14, the operations further comprising: negotiating power deliveryto the external device.
 18. The embedded controller of claim 17, whereinnegotiating the power delivery to the external device comprises:negotiating a voltage that is approximately between 5 volts and 20volts; negotiating an amperage that is approximately between 100milliamps and 5 amps; and instructing the cross-point switch to connecta power bus of the computing device to the USB Type-C port to providethe voltage and the amperage.
 19. The embedded controller of claim 14,the operations further comprising: determining that the external deviceis using an alternate mode; and instructing the cross-point switch toconnect the USB Type-C port to support the alternate mode.
 20. Theembedded controller of claim 14, wherein the device class of theexternal device comprises: one of: an audio device class, acommunications device class, a human interface device class, a physicalinterface device class, an image device class, a printer device class, amass storage device class, a USB hub device class, a smart card deviceclass, a security device class, a vide device class, a personalhealthcare device class, an audio/video device class, a diagnosticdevice class, a wireless controller device class, anapplication-specific device class, or a vendor specific device class.